Blackwater Fish Hatchery Celebrating 80 Years (With Photo Gallery)
August 11, 2020
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC)’s Blackwater Hatchery recently celebrated 80 years of operation.
Since 1940, Blackwater has produced tens of millions of fingerling and subadult freshwater fish that have been stocked in Florida’s freshwater lakes and rivers. The hatchery is in Santa Rosa County, approximately five miles west of Holt, within the Blackwater River State Forest.
Original construction of what was then known as the Blackwater River State Fish Hatchery and Game Farm began in the late 1930s as a joint project between the then-Florida Board of Forestry and the U.S Department of Agriculture. The project was completed in 1940 and turned over to the former Game and Fresh Water Fish Commission to manage and develop production techniques. Species produced at the hatchery include largemouth bass, Gulf Coast striped bass, white bass, hybrid bass, shoal bass, black crappie, bluegill, redear sunfish, channel catfish and threadfin shad.
Today, Blackwater Hatchery produces and stocks between 600,000 and 1 million fingerling and subadult freshwater fish annually in public waterbodies throughout Florida to meet conservation goals and the needs of anglers. All hybrid striped bass and Gulf Coast striped bass stocked by the FWC in Florida waters originate from spawning conducted at the hatchery. The FWC is part of a tri-state agreement to conserve and restore the Gulf Coast striped bass population. The only remaining Gulf Coast striped bass populations found in northwest Florida coastal rivers today are a result of fish produced and stocked by the hatchery.
Recently, Blackwater Hatchery has begun investigating techniques for successfully spawning shoal bass in hatchery ponds. Shoal bass are a riverine species of black bass and Florida’s only pure population is found in the Chipola River. Due to limited suitable habitat and their restricted range, shoal bass are listed as a Species of Greatest Conservation Need. The shoal bass population in the Chipola River and its tributaries were negatively impacted by Hurricane Michael. Development of successful hatchery spawning and rearing techniques will be important in ensuring the long-term health and survival of this population.
Photos courtesy FWC for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Coin Shortage: County Says Pay With Exact Change At Perdido Landfill, Oak Grove Center
August 11, 2020
Until further notice, Escambia County is asking citizens to use exact change when paying fees for waste services.
The county said that due to a nationwide coin shortage, they are able to provide change only if they can obtain coins from their bank.
If they can’t obtain coins, payments need to be made with exact change or by check at the Perdido Landfill and the Oak Grove Convenience Center. Debit and credit cars are also accepted at the Perdido Landfill.
The Oak Grove Convenience Center is only only on Fridays and Saturdays from 8:30 a.m. until 4:30 p.m.
Suspect Charged In Multiple Auto Burglaries
August 11, 2020
The Atmore Police Department has made an arrest in connection with several recent car burglaries.
Rodarius Tyrig Dailey, age 22 of Atmore, was charged with five counts of breaking and entering a vehicle, six counts of theft of property third degree and give counts of theft of property fourth degree.
“The arrest stems from complaints from citizens who reported their vehicles had been burglarized and personal items stolen,” Atmore Police Chief Chuck Brooks said. The vehicle burglaries occurred July 24, July 25 and August 4.
Jail records indicated he was being held with bond set at $25,000.
Showers And Storms
August 11, 2020
A FLOOD ADVISORY is in effect for Escambia County, Florida, and a FLOOD WARNING is in effect for Escambia County, Alabama.
Here is your official North Escambia area forecast:
Tonight: Showers and thunderstorms with a low around 73. South wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening.
Wednesday: A 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly after 10am. Mostly sunny, with a high near 94. Heat index values as high as 106. Calm wind becoming south around 5 mph in the afternoon. New rainfall amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible.
Wednesday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms before 1am. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 74. South wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening.
Thursday: Showers and thunderstorms likely, mainly after 1pm. Partly sunny, with a high near 93. Calm wind becoming south around 5 mph in the morning. Chance of precipitation is 60%.
Thursday Night: A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly before 1am. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 73. Southwest wind around 5 mph.
Friday: Showers and thunderstorms likely, mainly after 1pm. Partly sunny, with a high near 91. South wind around 5 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%.
Friday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly cloudy, with a low around 74. Southwest wind around 5 mph.
Saturday: Showers and thunderstorms likely, mainly after 1pm. Partly sunny, with a high near 91. West wind around 5 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%.
Saturday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms before 1am. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 73. Southwest wind around 5 mph.
Sunday: A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly sunny, with a high near 92.
Sunday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly cloudy, with a low around 73.
Monday: A 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly sunny, with a high near 94.
Monday Night: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly cloudy, with a low around 73.
Tuesday: A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly sunny, with a high near 91.
George M. Posey
August 11, 2020
George M. Posey passed away on August 8, 2020, from a heart attack. Born on December 8, 1960, in Andalusia AL, George grew up in Pensacola, Florida and graduated from Pine Forest High School and George Stone Vocational School.
George worked most of his career at Killinger Marine Center, starting there washing boats at age 15. He worked hard and became a superb Marine Mechanic/Technician. Killinger Marine was home to George, but he also worked a short period at Harbor View Marine in the late 80’s and later worked for his best friend Mickey Parriman at Key Marine. He eventually retired to raise his sons and to teach them everything he knew. He spent his life helping his neighbors, family and friends with lawn care, engine work, home repairs, or anything that they needed. He was an awesome troubleshooter and a deep thinker who analyzed every situation and made sure it was resolved precisely as it should be done. Known by his younger sister as ‘Genius George’, he was her on-call handyman. His younger brother often said that if an alien space ship broke down nearby that George could troubleshoot and fix it. George acquired his mechanical knowledge at a younger age from his special Uncle Mack Helms.
George enjoyed hiking, camping, bonfires at his oldest sister’s, making dad jokes, and feeding and watching birds in the bird oasis he created in his backyard which he watched from his dining room window. He loved his cats, enjoyed researching movie history, and enjoyed spending time with his sons, who were his best friends. George suffered from excruciating arthritic pain for many years that affected his lifestyle. Jesus has healed him and he is no longer in pain.
George is preceded in death by his mother, Sara Posey; his brother-in-law, Allen W Gray, Sr. and his nephew Allen W Gray, Jr.
He is survived by his wife of 30 years, Sherry Blackwell Posey; sons, Matthew Martin Posey and Daniel Jacob Posey; his father, Ronald B. Posey (Barbara); his oldest sister, Juanita Holley (Acie), younger sister, Rhonda Gray and younger brother, Terry Posey (Amy); and numerous nieces and nephews.
Pallbearers will be Kevin Mclemore, Doug Dillard, John Hoobler, Roy Hykes, Rick Hawkins and Kendall Nutt.
Honorary pallbearers will be his sons Matthew and Daniel.
Funeral Services are being handled by Faith Chapel North.
Visitation will be on Saturday, August 15, from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. with a service immediately following at East Brent Baptist Church, 4801 N. Davis Hwy.
A private family burial will be held at Pensacola Memorial Gardens at a later date. The service will be recorded. Social distancing is strongly encouraged.
Faith Chapel Funeral Home North is entrusted with arrangements.
Franklin Hall
August 11, 2020
Franklin “Tracey” Hall, 60, of Atmore, AL passed away on August 6, 2020. He was born on September 19, 1959, to the late Charlie Ernest and Margaret Coker Hall. He was a graduate of Ernest Ward High School in 1977 and attended Hall’s Fork Assembly of God Church. He worked in the construction industry and enjoyed hunting, fishing, golfing and playing bass guitar.
He is preceded in death by his parents; his brother, Timothy “Timbo” Hall and his sister, Delois “Dee” Hall.
He is survived by his wife of 40 years, Donna Hanks Hall; one daughter, Donna King (Joseph Lee Holloway) of Uriah, AL; one son, James R. “J.R.” Hall (Virginia) of Gordo, AL; one brother, Tony (Jeanene) Hall of Bay Springs, FL; one sister, Donna Lee Hall of Atmore, AL; eight grandchildren, Tracie Alexis, Jaxon, Lillie, Allyson, Jayson, Landon, Aiden and Emma Rose; one niece, Kristen Hall and two nephews, Brandon (Jessica) Hall and Ricky Hunt.
Funeral services were held Saturday, August 8, 2020, at 3 p.m. at Johnson-Quimby Funeral Home Chapel with Bro. Richard Daniels and Bro. Windell Hadley officiating.
Interment was at Bay Springs Cemetery in Bay Springs, FL.
Active pallbearers were Brandon Hall, Jake Jordan, Jaxon King, Ronald Peebles, Sammy Lee and Tony Hall.
Honorary pallbearers were Charlie Bodiford, Keith Jay, Paul Lundy and Jimmy McKinley.
For the safety of you and others, please practice social distancing requirements, though wearing a facial mask is strongly encouraged.
Johnson-Quimby Funeral Home is in charge of all arrangements.
Julie Hadley
August 11, 2020
Julie Hadley, 89, of Perdido, AL, passed away on August 8, 2020. She was born on June 5, 1931, to the late Arlene Ganey Harville. She was a member of Perdido Baptist Church.
She is preceded in death by her mother, Arlene Ganey Harville; her husband, Marvin Hadley; her sons, Edward Hadley, Earl Hadley and Anthony Hadley and her sisters, Thelma Harville and Virginia Gentry.
She is survived by her grandchildren, Tammy Harrelson (Chris Chandler) of Lottie, AL, Angie (Jerry) Cowart of Pine Grove, AL, Kim Hadley (Glenn) Dorsey of Gulf Breeze, FL, Shelia Kay Hadley of CA and Clayton Hadley of Rabun, AL; her great-grandchildren, Zayden, Jessica, Tonya, Brittany, Brianna, Brian, Tristan and Gunnar and six great-great-grandchildren.
Funeral services will be held Wednesday, August 12, 2020, at 11:00 a.m. at Johnson-Quimby Funeral Home Chapel with Bro. Malcolm Harrelson officiating.
Interment will follow at Guy’s Chapel Cemetery in Rabun, AL.
Active pallbearers will be Clifford Hall, Jr., Jerry Cowart, Marcus Loftis, Blake Bossard, Clayton Hadley and Terrance Newsome.
Visitation will be Wednesday, August 12, 2020, from 10 a.m. until service time at Johnson-Quimby Funeral Home.
For the safety of you and others, please practice social distancing requirements, though wearing a facial mask is strongly encouraged.
Johnson-Quimby Funeral Home is in charge of all arrangements.
Nannette Cobb Shell
August 11, 2020
Nannette Cobb Shell, age 87, passed away on August 7, 2020. She was born and lived in Atmore for 84 years. For the past 3 years, she resided at Westminster Village in Spanish Fort, AL.
Nannette was born on March 3, 1933, to the late Nancy Lowery Cobb and William Rufus Cobb. She was preceded in death by her brothers, Bill Cobb and Ty Cobb and sister, Linda Bodtke.
She is survived by her husband of 69 years, James Howard Shell, as well as her children, Nancy Shell Fayard (husband, Gary) of Atlanta, GA and James Burton Shell (wife, Kim) of Pawleys Island, SC. She is also survived by five adoring grandchildren, John Fayard, Chris Fayard, Mollie Shell Schimmel, Laura Shell, Sam Shell and three great-grandchildren, Liam Fayard, Isabelle Fayard, and Charlotte Fayard. Her most cherished role in life was being “Nana” to all and
loving them each “50 million”.
Nannette retired after a successful career at Atmore Milling and Elevator. She then embarked on a second career at Escambia County High School. Upon her second retirement, she began her last and final career as the loving Nana to her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She found joy in gardening, cooking and sharing with others. She could often be found on her tractor with its bushhog.
Nannette was the longest surviving member of First United Methodist Church of Atmore and loved her time working with the children in the nursery during church services.
A private family memorial service will be held at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the First United Methodist Church of Atmore Nursery, 311 South Pensacola Avenue, Atmore, AL 36502.
Notes and cards may be sent to: Howard Shell, #47 500 Spanish Fort Blvd., Spanish Fort, AL 36525.
Johnson-Quimby Funeral Home is in charge of all arrangements.
Franklin D. Cotton
August 11, 2020
Franklin D. “Red” Cotton, 83, of Atmore, AL, passed away on August 3, 2020. He was born on July 12, 1937, to the late J. D. and Ada E. Brown Cotton. He owned and operated The T&W Flea Market, Red’s Swap Shop, Brother’s Furniture and Summerdale Flea Market.
He moved to Atmore and opened The Atmore Flea Market, Cotton’s Furniture Store and Cotton’s Mini Storage. He was a member of The First Pentecostal Church of McCullough. He was a caring and generous person who loved helping anyone in their time of need.
He is preceded in death by his parents; his daughter, Pat Hutson and his siblings, Jack Cotton, Ernest Cotton, Buster Allen Cotton and Morris Cotton.
He is survived by his wife of 36 years, Beulah Grissett Cotton; his sons, J.R. and his wife Virgie Cotton of Pensacola, FL, T.W. Cotton of Pensacola, FL and Matt and his wife Kelley Cotton of Atmore, AL; one daughter, Ashley Cotton of Atmore, AL; one brother, Gary Cotton of Atlanta, GA and two sisters, Virginia Hendry of LA and Barbara Aceto of Pensacola, FL; 14 grandchildren and 12 plus two on the way great-grandchildren.
Funeral services were held Saturday, August 8, 2020, at Johnson-Quimby Funeral Home Chapel with Bro. Andy Lolly, Bro. D.L. Harvell and Bro. Alton Lister officiating.
Interment was at Oak Hill Cemetery in Atmore, AL.
Active pallbearers were Matthew Cotton, T.W. Cotton, Kenny Boykin, Joseph McCraney, Michael Trawick and Mark Presley.
Honorary pallbearers were Floyd Hopkins, Benny Enfinger, Gary Gibson and Michael Woods.
For the safety of you and others, please practice social distancing requirements, though wearing a facial mask is strongly encouraged.
Johnson-Quimby Funeral Home is in charge of all arrangements.
Larry Wilber Godwin
August 11, 2020
Larry Wilber Godwin, 71, of Atmore, AL passed away on August 3, 2020. He was born on August 19, 1948, to the late Siddie Godwin and Claudia Parker Godwin Mitchem. He served in the United States Army and worked in the construction industry. He is preceded in death by his parents; his step-father, Cliff Mitchem and his siblings, Judy Paul, Geary Godwin and Terry Godwin.
He is survived by his sibling, Jan (James) Jeter; his step-siblings, Cliff (Deborah) Mitchem, Jr., Sandy Grabre, Jim (Denise) Mitchem and Tim (Katherine) Mitchem; his nieces, Becky Ganey and Vicky Jeter; his nephews, Pete Godwin and Allen Hall; his children, Christy (Ronnie) Huskey, Bubba (Sylina) O’Barr, Wade Minchew and Natalie (Mark) Rodgers and his grandchildren, Rylee Huskey, Ruthie Huskey, Tad Huskey, Karahgan O’Barr, Camryn O’Barr, Shyla O’Barr, Dakota O’Barr, Bailey Jones, Gavin Rodgers, Landon Rodgers, Chase Minchew, Chelsea Minchew, Christopher Minchew and Chandler Minchew.
Funeral services were held Thursday, August 6, 2020, at Johnson-Quimby Funeral Home Chapel with Dr. Dale Patterson officiating.
Interment was at Bratt-Godwin Cemetery in Bratt, FL.
Active pallbearers were Freddie Jernigan, Bill Ganey, Bo Bryan, Ronnie Huskey, Mark Rodgers and Lathon Owens.
For the safety of you and others, please practice social distancing requirements, though wearing a facial mask is strongly encouraged.
Johnson-Quimby Funeral Home is in charge of all arrangements.